Focus on Youth
News for OCES staff working with youth.
April, 2010
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.
Table of Contents
Hello 4-H Family,
The 4-H program provides many opportunities for members to be involved in citizenship activities, and often these services can also bring members recognition and even cash awards. Today I would like to introduce you to three of those opportunities.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award is open to students in grades 5 through 12 who have participated in volunteer activities in the past 12 months. Two state honorees are selected from each state and receive an award of $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, for national recognition events. Ten national honorees receive an additional award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion and a trophy for their schools or organizations. Kenna Baker, from Canadian County 4-H, El Reno, is one of the two Oklahoma honorees this year. The other honoree is Alana Ralson, Western Heights Middle School, Oklahoma City. To learn more about the program and to get started for the coming year go to: http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc
We encourage members to consider reporting their service on the http://serve.gov/ website. This site will allow you to connect with projects that might need your help as a volunteer, or it can be a way to involve others in a project you are doing.
Another way to report and receive recognition for 4-H citizenship is
the Congressional Award. It is the United States Congress' award
for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive.
The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. Participants earn bronze,
silver and gold Congressional Award Certificates and bronze, silver and
gold Congressional Award medals. Each level involves setting goals in
four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical
Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Earning the award is a fun and interesting
way to get more involved in something you already enjoy or something
you'd like to try for the first time. You move at your own pace - on
your own or with your friends. This is not an award for past accomplishments.
Instead, you are honored for achieving your own challenging goals.
Regardless of your situation, you can earn the Congressional Award. The
Congressional Award has no minimum grade point average requirements.
It accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are
willing to take the challenge. To learn more visit http://www.congressionalaward.org/about.php
Charles Cox
Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
Roundup Workshops Needed
The Roundup workshop committee is looking for quality, hands-on workshops for 4-H Roundup. Workshops are needed on both July 28th and 29th in the afternoon. (See application for times.) Our goal is to offer the highest quality educational program possible. We are looking for persons to present educational workshops to youth, ages 13-19. The workshops need to be hands-on, motivational, upbeat and age-appropriate.
We surveyed the State Leadership Council to ask them what types of workshops they are interested in having. Here are some of their responses: community service, current events, internet use, fabrics and fashions, cooking, crafts, travel, technology, food demonstrations, livestock, sports, music and entertainment, teambuilding, project work, performing arts, leadership, entomology, public speaking, engineering, Facebook, Twitter, life skill preparation, wildlife and fisheries, and careers.
The committee is hoping to offer workshops in all of these areas as well as other interesting appropriate topics. I hope you can help out. Attached is a workshop application form. Please consider teaching one. Or if you know of someone who does a quality workshop, please forward the form to them, or send me their contact information and I will try to recruit them. Suggestions for workshops are greatly appreciated.
Red Earth Youth Art Competition
Do you have 4-H members who are talented artists or crafts persons? Encourage them to consider participating in the Red Earth Youth Art Competition, presented by the James H. & Madalynne Norick Foundation. Students from throughout Oklahoma and the region will display their original works of art while competing for cash prizes. All artwork submitted will be on exhibit at the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City, June 18, 19 & 20, 2010. Artwork will be accepted by Native American youth, ages 9-18.
The Red Earth Youth Art Competition is divided into three age group:
9-12 years; 13-15 years; and 16-18 years. Participants can enter
in seven art categories, including pottery, painting or drawing, graphics,
sculpture, basketry, beadwork, cultural items and jewelry. Prize money
is awarded to the top three winners in each division category, along
with a "Best of Show" award.
Details about this and other Red Earth events can be found at this link. http://www.redearth.org/red-earth-festival/youth-art-competition/
Paper Clover Toolkit OnlineFor those participating or planning to participate in the Paper Clover Fundraiser, the 4-H Brand Network now has materials available to you online at http://4-h.org/d/Pages/Layouts/paperclovertoolkit.html. |
State 4-H Goat Record Book Award
The State 4-H Awards Committee is pleased to announce the creation of a State
4-H Goat Record Book project award. The Level I award, valued at $1,000, will
be offered beginning this year and will be judged with other
State 4-H Record Books and Awards on April 5. Three finalists will be chosen
to interview on May 3rd and will be invited to attend the Honor Night Banquet
and Honor Night Assembly as a part of Roundup on Thursday, July 29.
The Goat Project Objectives are as follows:
- Learn basic principles of animal science by owning and/or caring for and keeping records on one or more head of livestock
- Demonstrate knowledge of sound breeding, feeding & management practices
- Identify breeds and types of animals and their purpose (dairy, fiber, meat)
- Identify animal products and understand their relationship to management practices
- Expand knowledge of the goat industry and its importance in Oklahoma
(Note: If you already have goat-related books that you'd planned to enter in the AOP-Ag & Natural Resources or other categories, the state office will review all goat books that it receives - whether entered in the new Goat category or AOP categories - to ensure all books are in the appropriate category. We will notify educators if a book changes category. )
Oklahoma 4-H: Generations of Clover
Copies of the much-anticipated Oklahoma 4-H: Generations of Clover are still available for $39.99 plus shipping and handling. They are estimated to begin shipping at the end of April. To order, call the state 4-H office at 405-744-4493, or download the form from the Oklahoma 4-H Web site at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu.
Learn About Common Pet Poisonings
Can Easter Lilies kill the cat? How dangerous is chocolate for the dog? What should I do if I drop my medicine and the cat eats it? Answers to these questions and many more will be addressed at the Pet Care Seminar, April 6th at the McElroy Hall Auditorium on the corner of McFarland and Farm Road at 7:00pm. Programs are open to 4-H members and their families.
4-H Dog Show Opportunities
Dog club participants will have the opportunity to participate in two upcoming shows. Muskogee County is hosting the NED Dog Show. Four-H divisions at this show will include Showmanship, Agility, and Obedience. The fun match in the afternoon will include Rally and Agility and is open to 4-Hers, parents, friends, supporters, or everyone.
Pre entries Postmarked: April 9th.
Show Date: April 17th.
Location: Muskogee Fairgrounds
Attached is the flyer and entry
form for the event.
Also, Tulsa County 4-H is hosting a 4-H dog show on June 12th, so save the date and watch for more details.
OKC Zoo Snooze
I wanted to offer an apology to all the educators that did such an outstanding
job recruiting for this event and to all the 4-H families that I had
to turn down. It was our first attempt at holding this event on
a state level, and I hadn't planned on such a strong response.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the OKC Zoo,
the Tulsa Zoo and the Jenks Aquarium all offer overnight programs that
you can participate in on a county or multi-county basis. Second,
we will be offering another State 4-H Zoo Snooze, TBD, but this time
I will plan for it to fill quickly.
Pet Emergency Preparedness
As a result of the 2005 hurricane season, the importance of disaster preparedness plans for animals reached national attention. The White House's Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina Lessons Learned Report, February 2006, recommended that federal, state and local governments focus on planning for the evacuation and sheltering of animals. The concern over disaster plans not adequately taking into consideration the pet population and the pet owner population led Congress to enact the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act).
This has created new opportunities for 4-H to become an active participant in disaster preparedness. First, it is a chance for 4-H clubs to offer their support to local emergency managers by assisting in the planning, rescuing and sheltering of displaced animals during a disaster. Second, there is a need for members to make pet owners aware that their pets should be included in their family's disaster preparedness plan.
It is my understanding that this spring many of the local health departments are coordinating emergency response seminars in their counties. Four-H publication #SMAN501, Disaster Preparedness 4-Pets is a resource to assist 4-H'ers that might want to set up an educational exhibit at these events.
Volunteer Connection Newsletter - April 1
The 2010 second quarter newsletter, "Volunteer Connection," will be posted April 1.
"i4H: There's an App for That" - Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum - Deposit due July 16th
Looking for a way to rejuvenate your enthusiasm as a volunteer or county educator? Rock Eagle is the place! The best way to describe the experience is 4-H Camp for Adults. The days are packed with excellent workshops and the evenings are filled with entertainment and Fun Shops. To view a video of the 2009 conference, follow the link http://www.4hsrlf.org/09SRLF/09forum.htm .
The conference will be held in Eatonton Georgia, September 30 - October 3, 2010. Full Conference registration will not exceed $275. A $50 deposit is due July 16, 201000 remaining balance is due August 20th. Visit the host state conference site at www.4hsrlf.org for current information regarding the conference. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Oklahoma typically travels as a group via air transportation.
The mission of the Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 4-H youth development and the Cooperative Extension system as a whole. The primary purpose of the forum is to educate and prepare participants to share what they learned back home. Participants benefit from the experiential learning activities which require them to discuss, use and apply what they learn. The ultimate application is for individuals and teams to teach others.
SRVLF is an excellent opportunity to meet adult volunteers from 13 southern states, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and the Virgin Islands.
SRVF Seeking Workshops/Funshop/Poster Session - Due May 3rd
The Southern Region Volunteer Forum is seeking workshops for the 2010 forum. The workshop proposal and instructions can be down loaded at http://www.4hsrlf.org/. This year's workshops will focus on 4 areas.
- Healthy Living - Healthy weight, Smoking, Eating smart, High blood pressure & Diabetes.
- Science, Engineering & Technology - Rocketry, Robotics, Bio-fuels, Renewable energy & Computer science.
- Citizenship - Leadership, Service learning, Diversity and Community service.
- Military Youth - Recreational, Social & educational programs, Organizational & technology skills, Technology Lab programs.
A workshop will be 1.5 hours in length. Funshops are 1 hour. Poster session is an educational display which will be unmanned except for a 1 hour time slot during the forum. The time is yet to be determined. Exhibitors selling or promoting items for sale, must exhibit with Commercial Exhibits. Each Poster sessions will be provided a 6 foot table. Other items should be requested on the proposal item number 15.
State Parent-Volunteer Conference
"Set Sail with 4-H...Charting Our Future" is the theme of the 2010 State Parent-Volunteer Conference. The conference is schedule for July 17, in Stillwater.
There will be four tracks of workshops each with a different focus:
Track 1 - "Enlightening" 4-H Parents and Volunteers - Diverse 4-H experiences and opportunities develop capable youth.
Track 2 - "Encouraging" 4-H Parents and Volunteers - Establish and nurture support networks with fellow volunteers, county, district and state extension staff, district officers, state ambassadors and state council members.
Track 3 - "Educating" 4-H Parents and Volunteers - Information Literacy develops project leaders, committee members, club leaders, parents, leadership teams, as well as club and county programs.
Track 4 - "Enjoying" being a 4-H Parent and Volunteer - Hands on workshops, better known as Fun Shops in the areas of recreation, educational crafts, food science, model rockets, etc.
The conference will include door prizes, as well as a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the live auction will go towards the endowment of a Volunteer Development Scholarship with the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
During the luncheon Oklahoma 4-H will recognize volunteers who have been selected by their county for Volunteer of the Year and Life-Time Service awards and announce the District and State award recipients.
The early bird enrollment fee of $30 and enrollment form are due on or before June 18. Any enrollment postmarked after June 19th will be responsible for the full enrollment fee of $40. Conference registration and program will be posted May 1 at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/volun/eduopp.htm.
County Parent-Volunteer/Leaders Associations are encouraged to develop
a display for the Share Fair. The displays should showcase successful
service-learning projects, 4-H promotions or 4-H partnerships (organizations
and/or individuals who help make your county's 4-H clubs successful). Each
county is limited to one display which must be registered by June 1.
Conference Service Project - Operation Military
Kids Family Night Package
To encourage and support quality family night activities of our OMK families
we are hopeful volunteers will prepare and bring family night packages to
the PVC. Family night package might include: a snack and a game;
a snack and a movie; craft or cooking activity; family dinner or picnic;
etc.
Ideas:
- Snacks - Popcorn, mixes for Brownies, Cookie, soup, etc.
- Family Dinner - family favorite recipes/dinner plan/picnic: starter kit and decorations that everyone could take part
- Games - Board games, cards, outdoor games, etc.
- Movie - DVD
- Craft - an activity that the whole family could take part in constructing
- Other - Movie, Park, Zoo passes
Be creative...think about what your family would enjoy doing if they had been or were going to be separated for a long period of time.
Debbie Wilson, State Volunteer Board President
Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Volunteer Awards - Due April 15th
Additional Information in November 2009 and February 2010 Focus on YOUth
The application form and guidelines for 2010 District and State volunteer awards are available at http://oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/awards/recogn.htm.
Nominations submitted to the district 4-H office must be received electronically. Nomination includes volunteer's vita, three letters of recommendations and an electronic photograph, no later than 5 pm, on or before April 15, 2010.
The selection committee asked that the following be shared with County Educators - please do not complete the vita for the volunteer, it is obvious when it is and is not the work of the individual. The information on the Vita needs to be thoughts, philosophy and words of the volunteer. For those counties nominating a modest or humble volunteer who will not "toot their own horn," it is suggested that you work one-on-one with the individual to record answers for each question on the vita.
Scholarships - 4-H Parent-Volunteer Conference
Oklahoma
4-H received a grant from National 4-H Council, in partnership
with Monsanto, to underwrite our state parent-volunteer
conference for a fourth year.
"4-H is supported nationwide by a dedicated network of volunteers who know the value of strong, positive youth development. Partners like Monsanto make it possible for 4-H to continue to build and sustain our volunteer base and ensure that even more youth enjoy fulfilling 4-H experiences," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and chief executive officer, National 4-H Council.
"Monsanto has a long-standing tradition of providing support for 4-H," noted Jim Tobin, director, biotech business development, Monsanto, who presented the $500,000 training award to 4-H. "Many company employees were 4-H members, and tell us that they credit 4-H for many of the skills they use today to do their jobs - a real credit to the 4-H volunteer leaders who assisted them in their learning process."
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For additional information, please visit www.monsanto.com.
Our funding will be used for Langston University and Oklahoma State University to enhance our volunteer certification process by encouraging new volunteers to attend the Conference. Up to one-hundred (100) $30 scholarships would be awarded to "certified 4-H adult volunteers" applying to attend the conference for the first time.
To be eligible for the scholarships the volunteers must all ready be certified - paper work, screening and orientation completed prior to making application. The volunteer must complete the scholarship form and have it signed by the county educator/university representative prior to submitting the scholarship application. Scholarships will be dated as they are received in the state 4-H office.
If awarded a scholarship the volunteer is expected to do a presentation at their local club for parents/volunteers or at a county Parent-Volunteer Association meeting. Scholarships will not be awarded in counties where the 2009 reporting process was not fulfilled.
County educators please be sure volunteers making application are committed to attending and returning home to share their experiences. We want all scholarships to be used the day of the conference. Any one who chooses not to make use of their scholarship will need to notify the state office 1 week prior to the conference so alternates can be notified.
American Farm Mom Essay Contest
Behind every American farm familly is the backbone of the operation: The American Farm Mom. Monsanto is giving you the opportunity to honor her contributions with the America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2010 Contest. Go to AmericasFarmers.com and nominate any extraordinary family farm mom. Just tell us in 300 words or less how she embodies the caring, values and hard work that make up the family farm way of life. You can even nominate yourself. (Why not? You do everything else.) There will be five regional winners of $5,000 each. All five will be posted on AmericasFarmers.com where voting will determine one national winner of an additional $2,500. Apply and see eligibiliy at AmericasFarmers.com or here. Nominations end April 9.
STEM Institute
This summer you have an exciting opportunity to incorporate science
and technology into community service.
We have taken the Geospatial Institute and expanded it to include, digital photography,
videography, robotics, as well as the Geospatial Technology.
The institute will be held June 29-30 here at OSU. Cost varies depending on the
options you select, $25 if you stay off campus, or $60 is you stay in the dorm
suites.
I will be looking for teams of youth and adults willing to partner and address
a community need or increase awareness of a community issue, using technology.
The steps in this program are simple;
- Find a group of teenage youth interested in community issues.
- Attend the institute.
- Let them select a project.
- Learn about the issue by partnering with a local organization.
- Create a project using technology, a video, a series of photos, or a group of maps that will teach others what you have learned.
- Present some educational programs to the public, 4-H clubs, or anyone about what you have discovered.
- And include the media in all you do. They will be interested.
If you are interested in the Lego Robotics you will return home to
start a robotics club to compete in the Lego Robotics competition (small
robots, not the big ones) then present educational programs about what
you have learned.
Attached is a registration form and
a flyer for your use.
Contact me if you have questions.